United SC coach puts in his papers

A STAFF REPORTER

Calcutta: Asexpected, Wednesday turned out to be Sanjoy Sen’s last day as the coach of Prayag United SC. Sen resigned from his job after his side eked out a goalless draw with Kalighat MS in a Calcutta Football League Premier Division match, at the Salt Lake Stadium.

United SC are set to appoint Dutchman Eelco Schattorie as their coach. A top-United SC official informed that Schattorie would be in the city soon. “We are sorting out a few issues… He will be here soon. Till then, assistant coach Anjan Nath will be in charge of the team,” said the official.

However, the official refused to divulge the details of the contract that United SC are going to offer Schattorie. he also said that United SC had offered Sen to be associated with the team in some capacity.

But Sen refused the offer.

“Sen told us that he will continue only if he is given the freedom to work alone… But that was not an option. We believe that a change is necessary to reverse the fortunes of the side,” the official said.

Sen had taken charge of United SC in 2010-11 season. Under him, the club were the runners-up in the Durand Cup last season. In the ongoing season, United SC are placed at the fifth position in the I-League.

About Wednesday’s match: Courtesy the Mohammed Rafiques, who squandered numerous chances, the game ended in a draw.

Rafique got the first chance in the 16th minute, but his header off a James Singh cross from the right went wide.

In the 36th minute, another Rafique header was brilliantly saved by Kalighat goalkeeper Suvam Sen.

In the 42nd minute, Rafique was the architect of a brilliant move.

The striker made a brilliant 180-degree turn on the edge of the box before unleashing a terrific right-footer. But Suvam thwarted the danger.

The second-half didn’t see United create many chances. From a goalless match to being coach-less, it was not United SC’s day.